Top Ten Thursday: Hong Kong
So WRT to what I wrote yesterday, Tottenham won. We whooped Man City's arse (ok not exactly kicking arse but a victory nonetheless) and are in the Champions League (qualifiers - they better not screw this up in August). *Does football crazy dance*
Right back to regular programming:
Hit with the realisation that I am definitely getting my PR come 2012 (mostly due to work commitments for both Mr. P and I) and potentially laying deeper roots than I'd ever thought I would, this week's T10Thurs is on my favourite things about Bonkers Honkers.
Entirely self-serving but I have to remind myself the positive stuff else I may just go nuts dwelling on how detestable in being reminded of the not so nice aspects of this city.
Ten Wonderful Things About Hong Kong
1. Cheap Transportation
It takes me less than SGD 1 and 20 min (door to door) to go 4 train stops to get to work in the morning. How's that for efficiency. Buses are cheap too - HKD 5.60 (I think) to go from Kennedy Town to Causeway Bay - I don't know maybe 30-40 bus stops - will take an hour if you're lucky but definitely cheap. Taxis are relatively inexpensive too; HKD 30-45 from Central back to CWB depending on traffic. Best bit no midnight, peak hour surcharges! Though I have to say, the taxi booking system DOESN'T ALWAYS WORK.
2. Airport Express
This deserve a separate mention because it is not cheap but it is the best thing related to HK airtravel. No other country, not even Japan, has a better Airport Rail service. - You don't have to walk a thousand miles (unlike Tokyo) or deal with NO LIFT OR ESCALATORS (London) to get to the trains.
- Signages are in English (and Chinese of course)
- Plenty of counters for purchase of tickets
- Train itself is clean, fast and spacious
- The helpful attendants who are quick to assist with your luggages/trolleys as you board and alight.
3. No Import Tax
Best thing ever considering I do a fair bit of online and charge-send shopping. No GST, VAT, customs or whatever-tax for my Balenciaga, Net-a-Porter, Luisa Via Roma purchases. I like ALOT.
4. Cheap(er) and Fast Speedpost
It costs me HKD 130-180 to send parcels (usually bags or shoes) worldwide and takes 3-4 days (2 if you live in the States) to arrive. Little known fact (well at least to me, I didn't find out till 3 years in): HKPO is open on weekends until 6pm.
5. Proximity to North / Northeast Asia
China is the future, so I reckon being in the region isn't a bad thing. Plus I love Sanya, it's only 2 hours away by plane and definitely one of my favourite beach vacations all year round.
6. Custom Clothes and Shoes
Admittedly I haven't really took the effort to suss out good ones but I promise to do so in the next 6 months and will report back on my findings. Watch out for it.
7. Food Delivery Service
More than just pizza and fastfood, I can get Tony Romas, Gunga Din's curry, sushi, noodles, Thai food delivered in 60 min.
8. Great Used Car Market
To be honest you don't need a car in HK, but it's nice to have one. Our bumble bee costs HKD 10,000 (that's less than SGD 2K), though we did spend another HKD 20,000 doing it up but hey that's SGD6K which isn't even enough for COE hor!
9. Mild Winter
Cold enough for boots, cute jackets/coats and the occasional scarf but not crazy freezing. Me likey!
10. Low tax and crime rates and 24/7 (loosely definied) amenities
- Common/popular reasons, though not exclusive to HK, why this is an excellent city. Personally I think I'd pay lesser tax in Singapore, which has and even lower crime rate and way more 24/7 amenities and and so they But for Mr. P and many others from Europe, N. America and Australia (and NZ), this is probably the best place to be when you are in banking.
Other worthy mentions:
My fantabulous part time helper - when she was away for 2 week over Easter, Mr. P nearly ran out of pressed shirts (we hate ironing).
Nature - I ought to hike more and head out to the waterfalls, there is so much to be enjoyed for free in HK.
Jaspas Junk - I'm too old to do cheap arse junk trips, only the catered ones will do now - Quesadillas on the way out of the harbour, burgers and salads for lunch, hot pizzas on the way in and free flow seabreeze and beer ALL DAY (okay 6 hours).